Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Crossbow Attack on Police Officer
Published 20 August 2025
Highlights
- Jason King, 55, was sentenced to nine years in prison for shooting a police officer with a crossbow and stabbing a neighbour in High Wycombe.
- The incident occurred on May 10, 2024, following a longstanding neighbour dispute, and resulted in King being shot by police.
- King pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including unlawful wounding and possessing an offensive weapon.
- PC Curtis Foster, the officer shot in the leg, made a full recovery but described the incident as life-changing.
- Judge Jonathan Cooper noted King's actions were motivated by revenge and a desire to settle scores with police.
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Rewritten Article
Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Crossbow Attack on Police Officer
In a dramatic incident that unfolded in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Jason King, 55, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for shooting a police officer with a crossbow and stabbing a neighbour. The violent episode, which took place on May 10, 2024, stemmed from a longstanding dispute with a neighbour and escalated into a confrontation with police.
Neighbour Dispute Escalates
The altercation began when King stabbed his neighbour's partner, Alistair Mahwuto, with a small knife. Police were called to the scene, where King, from his upstairs window, repeatedly fired a crossbow at officers. The situation intensified as King pursued the officers, ultimately shooting PC Curtis Foster in the leg. Despite the severity of his injuries, PC Foster has since returned to duty.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court hearing at Amersham Crown Court, King admitted to several charges, including unlawful wounding, possessing an offensive weapon, and affray. Judge Jonathan Cooper highlighted King's intent to "settle a score" with the police, describing his actions as a calculated attempt to harm the officers. The court also heard that King had purchased the crossbow online for less than £20, a detail underscoring the premeditated nature of his actions.
Impact on Victims
PC Foster, in a victim impact statement, shared how the incident had profoundly affected him, altering his perspective on his work and increasing his caution. He recounted the moment he was shot, noting the adrenaline masked the pain but left a lasting emotional scar. Similarly, Mahwuto expressed how the stabbing had impacted his life, with medical experts indicating the wound could have been fatal.
Legal and Personal Consequences
King's defense acknowledged the fear and distress caused by the incident, with his lawyer, Mark Kimsey, admitting the event was "very frightening" for all involved. Despite this, the court emphasized the seriousness of King's actions, resulting in a nine-year sentence with an additional three years on extended license.
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Scenario Analysis
The sentencing of Jason King serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the broader community implications of neighbour disputes. Moving forward, this case may prompt discussions on the regulation of weapons like crossbows and the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms in community settings. Legal experts suggest that this incident could lead to stricter enforcement of laws surrounding offensive weapons, while police forces may review their protocols for handling similar situations to ensure officer safety. As PC Foster and others affected by the incident continue to recover, the case highlights the enduring impact of such violent encounters on individuals and communities alike.
In a dramatic incident that unfolded in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Jason King, 55, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for shooting a police officer with a crossbow and stabbing a neighbour. The violent episode, which took place on May 10, 2024, stemmed from a longstanding dispute with a neighbour and escalated into a confrontation with police.
Neighbour Dispute Escalates
The altercation began when King stabbed his neighbour's partner, Alistair Mahwuto, with a small knife. Police were called to the scene, where King, from his upstairs window, repeatedly fired a crossbow at officers. The situation intensified as King pursued the officers, ultimately shooting PC Curtis Foster in the leg. Despite the severity of his injuries, PC Foster has since returned to duty.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court hearing at Amersham Crown Court, King admitted to several charges, including unlawful wounding, possessing an offensive weapon, and affray. Judge Jonathan Cooper highlighted King's intent to "settle a score" with the police, describing his actions as a calculated attempt to harm the officers. The court also heard that King had purchased the crossbow online for less than £20, a detail underscoring the premeditated nature of his actions.
Impact on Victims
PC Foster, in a victim impact statement, shared how the incident had profoundly affected him, altering his perspective on his work and increasing his caution. He recounted the moment he was shot, noting the adrenaline masked the pain but left a lasting emotional scar. Similarly, Mahwuto expressed how the stabbing had impacted his life, with medical experts indicating the wound could have been fatal.
Legal and Personal Consequences
King's defense acknowledged the fear and distress caused by the incident, with his lawyer, Mark Kimsey, admitting the event was "very frightening" for all involved. Despite this, the court emphasized the seriousness of King's actions, resulting in a nine-year sentence with an additional three years on extended license.
What this might mean
The sentencing of Jason King serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the broader community implications of neighbour disputes. Moving forward, this case may prompt discussions on the regulation of weapons like crossbows and the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms in community settings. Legal experts suggest that this incident could lead to stricter enforcement of laws surrounding offensive weapons, while police forces may review their protocols for handling similar situations to ensure officer safety. As PC Foster and others affected by the incident continue to recover, the case highlights the enduring impact of such violent encounters on individuals and communities alike.
